US EPA: Major Regulatory Announcement

Yesterday, the US EPA released a set of "Essential Principles for Reform of Chemicals Management Legislation". These principles will be aimed at revising the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The EPA also posted characterization information on 100 high production volume substances, and indicated that in the in the interim, the EPA would begin analysis of six high-profile chemicals that have been the subject of recent regulatory scrutiny (e.g., Bisphenol-A, phthalates, PBDEs, perfluorinated compounds, some parafins, and benzidine dyes and pigments). The EPA is gathering data from industry on the six chemicals in order to assess their safety and develop exposure management plans. More information can be found here.